cmarie_sz Posted August 30, 2012 Report Share Posted August 30, 2012 Hi guys, I'm in an arts program. And I'm really nervous about taking the MCAT given my lack of science background. I have only taken Bio I@II and ChemI&II I did well in bio and the first half of chem; but did very poorly on the second. Is it possible to do well on the MCAT not having taken ochem and physics? Is it possible to self teach these topics? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. PS. Im graduating this year and therefore don't have time to take physics/ochem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idyllicsoul Posted August 30, 2012 Report Share Posted August 30, 2012 There are so many MCAT prep programs that go over physics and chemistry inside out. I've had a few friends who've finished these programs and have done good on MCAT without taking the actual courses. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collegedude22 Posted August 30, 2012 Report Share Posted August 30, 2012 Use the examcrackers books (concept books + 1001 questions books). I took the MCAT without having taken much bio and no physiology at all and got a 15 on BS. You can do it if you have the self-discipline to work at it each day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshPreMed Posted August 30, 2012 Report Share Posted August 30, 2012 If you've already done the courses, do a diagnostic and see where you stand. I highly recommend doing a diagnostic (now). It's free on The Princeton Review, for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomSmasherXVIII Posted August 30, 2012 Report Share Posted August 30, 2012 You're screwed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanaBanana Posted August 31, 2012 Report Share Posted August 31, 2012 When do you plan to write the MCAT, cmarie? Do you feel you have time to study these extra subjects while you finish your degree requirements? I agree that taking the diagnostic evaluation is a good idea. It will give you an idea where you have strengths and weaknesses. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FacelessMage Posted August 31, 2012 Report Share Posted August 31, 2012 Don't use ExamKrackers for ochem. Use a combination of Princeton Review and Khan Academy videos for that. ExamKrackers is ok for physics, and PR is good as well. Again, supplement with Khan Academy videos, because they are the bomb! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elarXi Posted September 5, 2012 Report Share Posted September 5, 2012 If you can't take o'chem, see if you can come by the lectures. I took a course with Princeton, and I found that their "preparation" for Ochem is terrible; no rigorous treatment of subject, and over-ephasis on memorizing reactions rather than understanding. If you honestly can't take a course, try getting Organic chemistry as a second language I & II by Klein... it will run you to about $90, but, at least, you will learn the "thought pattern" required by organic chemistry... and, trust me, if you finish both of these workbooks you will own the orgo passages Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tacrolimus Posted September 5, 2012 Report Share Posted September 5, 2012 I've heard that there are like 15 questions on OCHEM, and that they aren't THAT difficult. You're probably going to have to spend more time, but I'd think it's very doable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elarXi Posted September 5, 2012 Report Share Posted September 5, 2012 I've heard that there are like 15 questions on OCHEM, and that they aren't THAT difficult. You're probably going to have to spend more time, but I'd think it's very doable. I wouldn't bet on that... I had 2 awful orgo passages on mine, which I can guarantee you that I hadn't taken a course in orgo I would've been screwed for them... and winging ~15 questions, out of which even half are modestly difficult, equals <12 score, even if you get perfect for the rest... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nurse Posted September 7, 2012 Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 So the adivice is not to take a course like Kaplan and self study? Any benefit of taking the course especially where science is out of the memory or novel. Advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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